Portable scaffold



R. M. JOHNSON PORTABLE SCAFFOLD May 4, 1943.

Filed Dec. 22, 1942 Patented May 4, 1943 UNITED STATES ATENT or ies 1 2Claims.

This invention relates to scaflolds, and more particularly to soafioldsconstructed of ladder sections, novel means being provided forsupporting horizontal ladder sections of the scaffold or vertical laddersections employed in providing the uprights of the scaffold.

An important object of the invention is to provide brackets adapted tobe removably secured to the rungs of the vertical ladder sections, tothe end that the usual builders ladders may be readily converted into ascaffold.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as thedescription proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details ofconstruction and combinations of parts hereinafter more fully describedand pointed out in the claims, it being understood that changes may bemade in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing fromthe spirit of the invention as claimed.

Referring to the drawing Figure 1 is a fragmental elevational Viewillustrating a ladder section to which the brackets, forming the essenceof the present invention, are secured.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmental elevational view illustrating a modified formof the invention.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an elevational view of a further modified form of theinvention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of one of the brackets used in supportingthe horizontal ladder section of the scaifold. I

Referring to the drawing in detail, the brackets used in providing asupport for the horizontal ladder section of the scaffold, are indicatedgenerally by the reference character 5. Each bracket embodies asubstantially triangular plate constructed of sheet metal material. Abayonet slot indicated at 6 is formed adjacent to one corner of theplate, and extends inwardly from one edge of the plate, the slot beingof a width to accommodate the usual ladder rung. One edge of the plateis extended laterally providing a flange I, the flanges l on right andleft-hand brackets, being disposed in opposite directions, as clearlyshown by Fig. 1 of the drawing.

These flanges provide rests for the horizontal ladder sections whichform the platform support of the scaffold, the flanges being providedwith openings for the reception of the hooks 8 that hook over the rungsof the horizontal ladder sections to secure the horizontal laddersections to the brackets. Winged nuts 9 are positioned on the threadedends of the hooks 8, and act to hold the hooks in position. Secured tothe central portion of the flange of each bracket, is an invertedU-shaped member H] which is adapted to straddle the ladder rung whichfalls directly wider the brackets, when positioned in the formation of ascaffold. These members I0 secure the brackets against slipping, andinsure the brackets being held in proper position between the ladderrungs.

When the ladders have been arranged in forming a scaffold, the usualplatform may be positioned on the horizontal ladder, the platform beingindicated by the reference character ll.

Figures 3 and 4 of the drawing illustrate the brackets as used insupporting stringers l2, which may be used in lieu of the laddersection, shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing. In this form of theinvention, supporting irons l3 are provided, the supporting irons havinghooks l4 formed at their ends which are positioned over the stringers l2and provide supports for the platform indicated at l5. When thestringers I2 are used, the stringers are bolted to the brackets 5, bymeans of bolts l5, which extend through openingsformedin the stringers,the openings registering with openings of the brackets. Winged nuts Hare used in securing the bolts in position.

In the form of the invention as shown by Fig.

' 5 of the drawing, bolts l8 are provided, the bolts l8 extendingthrough openings in the platform l9 which openings register withopenings formed in the flanges of the brackets. In this form of theinvention, the bolts l8 are employed in lieu of the hooks 8, shown inFig. 2 of the drawing. From the foregoing it will be seen that due tothe construction shown and described, I have provided a scaffold whichmay be made up of ladder sections commonly employed in buildingconstruction by merely using brackets that are positioned between rungsof a ladder. It will also be seen that the scaffold platform may beraised or lowered to meet the requirements of use, to the end thatscaffolds of various heights may be formed with the usual laddersections. It will further be seen that these brackets will requirecomparatively little space in the transportation and storing of thebrackets.

What is claimed is: 1. A portable scaffold comprising in combination,spaced vertical ladder sections, pairs of brackets secured betweenadjacent rungs of the vertical ladder sections, each of said bracketsembodying a plate having a slot near the upper end thereof providing ahook adapted to be hooked over a rung of a ladder, a bracing memher onthe bottom of said bracket adapted to rest over the adjacent lower rungof a ladder, securing the bracket in position, and a horizontal platformsupported on said brackets.

2. A portable scaffold comprising in combination, spaced vertical laddersections, pairs of brackets secured between adjacent rungs of thevertical ladder sections, flanges formed along the lower edges of saidbrackets, hook members extending through the flanges and adapted to hookover the rung of a ladder, securing the brackets in position, and ahorizontal ladder section resting on said flanges.

ROBERT M. JOHNSON.

